Outlander popularity causing ‘repeated issues’ for historic Fife villages

The impact of filming hit shows such as Outlander on villages in Fife is to be examined.

It comes after a call from SNP councillor Sam Steele (West Fife and Coastal Villages) following “repeated issues” said to be affecting residents in places such as Culross.

Issues over parking – and even residents being unable to leave their houses – in the historic burgh have been raised previously. It is hoped the report will also cover adherence by film companies to Fife and Tayside’s production code.

Sam Heughan (right) and Caitriona Balfe star in a scene from Outlander.

Speaking at the South and West Fife Area Committee, Cllr Steele said she was keen to explore what could be done to allay existing concerns.

“I would like to request a report to ask the assessment of the impact of filming in the South West Fife area, especially regarding consultation process, not just for services and officers, but with the community, community councils and elected members,” she said.

Cllr Steele added: “This has been brought about by the repeated issues arising in Culross, and the huge detrimental impact on residents and businesses in the village.”

Committee convener, councillor David Barratt, agreed the situation should be looked at.

“It is something I have been aware of and we are not really that well briefed on how it works or how it maybe should work,” he said.

“There is filming regularly in North Queensferry, and North Queensferry Community Council is always very good at extracting a bit of money from film companies, so I think there are lessons to be learned there in terms of how communities can engage.

“I know there was an issue recently where that engagement simply didn’t happen and residents were stuck in their houses, which really is not on.”

Rosyth councillor Brian Goodall added: “It is an issue for Dunfermline committee as well. I know recently the town’s sports council had to be cancelled because the Music Institute was being used for filming for Outlander prequels. It seems to be happening all over the shop.”